That was Columbia Daily Tribune columnist-in-chief Hank Waters, in three editorials panning the Ginny Chadwick recall effort. The First Ward Councilwoman resigned after recallers delivered a petition with more than enough signatures to force an ouster election.

With eight First Ward candidates vying to replace Chadwick, Waters must eat his words. If anything, the highly-publicized recall inspired a cross-sectional electoral diversity Columbia hasn't seen in years.

The campaign includes three African-American candidates -- Reynolds Journalism Institute public relations director Nate Brown; a young man of the cloth, the Rev. Rob Stewart; and an older man of the cloth -- and stage -- the Rev. Clyde Ruffin, a soon-to-be Mizzou theatre professor emeritus.

Joining them are two representatives of the outspoken wing of Columbia life: John Clark, an attorney and because of his long-time city and First Ward activism, probably the most qualified candidate; and Eastside Tavern owner Sal Nuccio. Both Clark and Nuccio have run for City Council positions before, including Mayor.

There's the so-called "pro-development" candidate -- Dan Rader, whose family owns Bengals Bar and Grill and other downtown property; and the pro-liberty candidate, Jake Loft, recently endorsed by the man who led the charge to oust Chadwick, pro-Grow advocate Eapen Thampy.

I know what you're thinking: not much gender diversity here. But though this is an all-guy group, there's significant inter-guy diversity: younger and older; black and white; pro-biz guys and pro-gov guys; old hands at local politics -- and total newbies.

All of which promises to make this First Ward race one of the hottest in years. "A chill on the subsequent election"?

For more information, contact:Pam Cooper, CoMo Council Watch, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 573-819-8958Ivy B., President, West Ash Neighborhood Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.